Kidney Stones
In-Depth Report

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Background

Kidney stones are hard, solid particles that form in the urinary tract. In many cases, the stones are very small and can pass out of the body without any problems. However, if a stone (even a small one) blocks the flow of urine, excruciating pain may result, and prompt medical treatment may be needed.

The process of urination begins in the kidneys. The kidneys filter out fluids and waste from the body, producing urine. As the urine passes through the kidneys, it becomes more concentrated. From the kidneys, urine flows from through thin tubes called ureters into the bladder. The bladder's stretchy walls expand to store the incoming urine until it leaves the body through a tube called the urethra.

The two kidneys are located deep behind the abdominal organs, below the ribs and toward the middle of the back.

The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and stimulating red blood cell production.

Types of Kidney Stones

Occasionally, various salts build up on the inside surfaces of the kidney and form crystals. Eventually these crystals become large enough to form stones in the kidney, a condition called nephrolithiasis. Kidney stones (renal calculi) may also form in the ureter or the bladder. Combinations of minerals and other chemicals, some derived from a person's diet, make up the salts in these stones.

Calcium Stones. About 70 - 90% of all kidney stones are made of calcium, usually combined with oxalate, or oxalic acid. A number of common vegetables, fruits, and grains contain oxalate.

About 6% of calcium stones are made of calcium phosphate (called brushite).

Uric Acid Stones. Uric acid is responsible for close to 10% of kidney stones. It is the breakdown product of purines, nitrogen compounds found in our bodies and in certain foods. Uric acid enters the bloodstream, and then passes primarily into the kidneys. From the kidneys, uric acid leaves the body in the urine. Often, uric acid stones occur with calcium stones.

Struvite Stones. Struvite stones are made of magnesium ammonium phosphate. They are almost always associated with certain urinary tract infections. Worldwide, they make up to 30% of all kidney stones. In the United States, however, fewer than 15% of all stones are struvite. Most struvite stones occur in women. The rate of these stones may be declining in America, perhaps because of better control of urinary tract infections.

Cystine Stones. A build-up of the amino acid cystine, a building block of protein, causes 1% of kidney stones in adults and up to 8% of stones in children. The tendency to form these stones is inherited. Cystine stones are marked by rapid growth and recurrence, which, if not treated promptly, can eventually lead to kidney failure.

Xanthine Stones. Other kidney stones are composed of xanthine, a nitrogen compound. These stones are extremely uncommon and usually occur as a result of a rare genetic disorder.

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Causes

The key process in the development of kidney stones is supersaturation.

Allow salt in the urine to be at higher-than-normal concentrations without forming crystals

Prevent crystal formation

Coat the crystals and prevent them from sticking to the surface of kidney tubes

Not having enough of these protective substances can cause stones.

Changes in the Acidity of the Urine. Changes in the acid balance of the urine can affect stone formation.

Uric acid and cystine stones mainly form in acidic urine.

Calcium phosphate and struvite stones increase in alkaline urine.

Causes of Calcium Stones

Often, the cause of calcium stones is not known. The condition is then called idiopathic nephrolithiasis. Research suggests that nearly all stones result from problems in the breakdown and absorption of calcium and oxalate. Genetic factors may play a role in about half of these cases. A number of medical conditions and drugs can also affect digestion and intestinal absorption.

Excess Calcium in the Urine (Hypercalciuria). Hypercalciuria (too much calcium in the urine) is responsible for as much as 70% of calcium-containing stones. A number of conditions may produce hypercalciuria. Many are due to genetic factors, but most cases are due to unknown causes (idiopathic).

The following can lead to hypercalciuria and calcium stones:

Too much calcium absorption in the intestines: In most of these conditions, genetic factors lead to increased calcium absorption in the intestine.

Excessive chloride: Chloride has a negative charge, and calcium has a positive one, so they balance each other in the body. Excess chloride may lead to excess calcium.

Renal calcium leak: In this condition, the does not regulate minerals normally, causing an increase of calcium in the urine.

Excessive sodium: High urinary levels of sodium result in increased levels of calcium. Certain defects in the kidney tubules transport system, which cause imbalances in sodium and phosphate, can lead to high calcium levels in the urine. A diet high in salt can also produce this effect.

Excess Oxalate in the Urine (Hyperoxaluria). Oxalate is the most common stone-forming compound. Too much oxalate in the urine is responsible for up to 60% of calcium stones and is a more common cause of stones than too much calcium in the urine.

Hyperoxaluria can be either primary or secondary.

Primary hyperoxaluria is an inherited disorder in which too much oxalate in the urine is the main problem.

Secondary hyperoxaluria results from specific conditions that cause high levels of urinary oxalate.

Secondary hyperoxaluria is usually caused by too much dietary oxalates (found in a number of common vegetables, fruits, and grains) or by problems in the body's breakdown of oxalates. Such defects may be due to various factors:

Severe vitamin B6 deficiencies (usually due to genetic disorders)

Deficiencies in Oxalobacter formigenes, an intestinal bacteria that breaks down oxalate

Short bowel syndrome, a condition that generally results from removal of portions of the small intestines. It causes an inability to properly absorb fat and nutrients. Calcium may bind to the unabsorbed fat instead of the oxalates, which causes a buildup of oxalate

Patients who undergo the most common gastric type of bypass surgery, the Roux-en-Y, may be at increased risk for calcium oxalate kidney stones, beginning 6 months after surgery. These patients develop hyperoxaluria, and the condition is common 12 months after surgery.

Excessive Calcium in the Bloodstream (Hypercalcemia). Hypercalcemia generally occurs when bones break down and release too much calcium into the bloodstream. This is a process called resorption. It can occur from a number of different diseases and events:

Hyperparathyroidism: Overactive parathyroid glands cause about 5% of calcium stones. People with this disorder have at least a 20% chance of developing kidney stones. Women are more likely to have this disorder than men.

Immobilization: Lack of movement can lead to kidney stones.

Renal tubular acidosis: This disorder causes an acidic and alkaline imbalance. Renal tubular acidosis not only increases calcium levels in the bloodstream, but it also reduces protective citrate levels.

Hyperuricosuria is a condition in which there are high levels of uric acid in urine. It occurs in 15 - 20% of people (mostly men) with calcium oxalate stones. Urate, the salt formed from uric acid, creates the center of a crystal (nidus), around which calcium oxalate crystals form and grow. Such stones tend to be severe and recurrent. They appear to be strongly related to a high intake of protein. (Hyperuricosuria also plays a major role in some uric acid stones.)

Low Urine Levels of Citrate (Hypocitraturia). Citrate is the main substance in the body that is responsible for removing excess calcium. It also blocks the process that turns calcium crystals into stones. Low levels of citrate in the urine is a significant risk factor for calcium stones. Hypocitraturia also increases the risk for uric acid stones. This condition most likely contributes to about a third of all kidney stones.

Many conditions can reduce citrate levels. Some causes include:

Renal tubular acidosis

Potassium or magnesium deficiency

Urinary tract infection

Kidney failure

Chronic diarrhea

Often, however, the cause of hypocitraturia-related stones is unknown.

Low Levels of Other Stone-Blocking Compounds. Several other compounds in the urine, including magnesium and pyrophosphate, also prevent the formation of calcium stones. If any of these compounds are lacking, stones may develop.

Causes of Uric Acid Stones

Human body tissues, and certain foods, substances called purines. Purine-containing foods include dried beans, peas, and liver. When the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. The presence of a certain level of uric acid in the body is normal, but excess uric acid can lead to stones.

The following conditions are usually seen in patients with uric acid stones:

Too much uric acid in the urine for a long period (the most important cause of uric acid stones)

Lower than normal amounts of urine produced

Hyperuricosuria, a metabolic disorder that leads to high levels of uric acid in the urine

Note: Hyperuricosuria can also trigger calcium stones. Therefore, a combination of calcium and uric acid stones may be present in patients with hyperuricosuria.

A number of conditions and other factors may contribute to, or cause, uric acid stones:

Gout: Uric acid and other kidney stones develop in up to 25% of patients with primary gout, a painful form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid in the blood forms crystals in one or more joints.

Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes have highly acidic urine that can lead to kidney stones, particularly uric acid stones.

Insulin resistance: People with insulin resistance have an increased risk for uric acid stones. The reason is unknown but may be related to the transport of certain salts through the kidneys. This transport changes in patients with insulin resistance.

Kidney abnormalities: Kidney problems that reduce the production of ammonia, particularly in people with diabetes or insulin resistance, may lead to uric acid stones.

Some rare types of anemia (low levels of red blood cells in the blood)

Chronic diarrhea

Causes of Struvite Stones

Struvite stones are almost always caused by urinary tract infections due to bacteria that produce certain enzymes. These enzymes raise the concentration of ammonia in the urine. Ammonia makes up the crystals that form struvite stones. The stone-promoting bacteria are usually Proteus, but may also include Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Providencia, Serratia, and staphylococci. Women are twice as likely to have struvite stones as men.

Causes of Other Stones

Other stones, including cystine and xanthine stones, are usually due to genetic abnormalities.

Causes of Cystine Stones. Cystine stones develop from genetic defects that cause abnormal transport of amino acids in the kidney and gastrointestinal system, leading to a build-up of cystine, one of these amino acids. Researchers have identified two genes responsible for this condition: SLC3A1 and CLC7A9.

Causes of Xanthine Stones. In some cases, xanthine stones may develop in patients being treated with allopurinol for gout.

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Risk Factors

Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. They are an ancient health problem. Evidence of kidney stones has been found in an Egyptian mummy estimated to be more than 7,000 years old.

At this time, studies suggest kidney stones affect more than 5% of Americans and that the rate has increased since the 1970s.

Gender and Age

Men. Kidney stones are more common in men than women. The risk of kidney stones increases in men in their 40s and continues to rise until age 70. Caucasian men have a higher risk than other groups.

Women. The risk of kidney stones peaks in a woman's 50s. In younger women, stones are more likely to develop during the late stages of pregnancy. Pregnant women tend to have a higher calcium intake, but their kidneys do not handle the calcium as well as they did prior to pregnancy. Kidney stones are still rare during pregnancy, however, affecting only 1 in 1,500 pregnancies.

Risk Factors in Children. Stones in the urinary tract in children are usually due to genetic factors. Most of the time, the cause is too much calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria). Deformities in the urinary tract pose a significant risk for kidney stones in children. Children with low birth weight who need to be fed intravenously are also at risk for stones.

Obesity and Weight Gain

Obesity and weight gain are both associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.

Higher BMIs and larger waist circumferences are both risk factors for kidney stones. Researchers think that there may be a link between fat tissue, insulin resistance, and urine composition. People with larger body sizes may excrete more calcium and uric acid, which increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

Family History

A family history of kidney stones increases one's risk for the condition. Researchers are looking into markers or other factors that might predict kidney stones in relatives, although none has yet been clearly identified. A family history of gout may also make a person vulnerable to stones.

Ethnicity

Caucasians seem to have the highest incidence of kidney stones, followed by Mexican Americans. African-Americans have the lowest risk.

Geographical Differences

Dietary factors, minerals in local water, or both may contribute to geographic differences that have been observed in the occurrence of kidney stones. Studies have reported the highest occurrence of kidney stones in the southern region of the United States and the lowest occurrence in the west.

Lifestyle Factors

Specific Foods. In general, certain foods increase the risk for stones only in people who have a genetic or medical vulnerability. People whose diets are high in animal protein and low in fiber and fluids may be at higher risk for stones. A number of foods contain oxalic acid, but there is no proof that such foods make any major contribution to calcium oxalate stones in people who do not have other risk factors. However, several studies have shown that increasing dietary calcium and restricting salt, animal protein, and foods rich in oxalate can help prevent calcium oxalate stones from returning.

Stress. One study reported that people who had a major, stressful life experience were more likely to develop stones than those who had not had a stressful experience. Some experts speculate that this increased risk may be due to a hormone called vasopressin, which is released in response to stress. Vasopressin also increases the concentration of urine.

Being Bedridden. Any medical or physical condition that keeps a person in bed or immobile increases blood levels of calcium from bone breakdown, thereby posing a risk for stone formation.

Medical Conditions

Gout. Patients with gout are at a high risk of uric acid stones.

High Blood Pressure. People with high blood pressure are up to three times more likely to develop kidney stones. It is not entirely clear whether having high blood pressure increases the risk for a stone, or if stones lead to high blood pressure, or there is an action linking both.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause problems in the absorption of substances in the intestines. These problems significantly increase the risk for kidney stones, particularly in men.

Hyperparathyroidism. The parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the body through parathyroid hormone. In hyperparathyroidism, one or more of these glands makes too much parathyroid hormone. Some people with hyperparathyroidism develop kidney stones. Surgery to remove the hyperactive parathyroid gland in such patients reduces the risk for stone formation, but the risk still remains high for some time after surgery.

Other Medical Conditions. Kidney disease, chronic diarrhea, certain cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma), and sarcoidosis (swelling around the organs) put people at higher risk for stones.

Medications

AIDS medications. More than 10% of AIDS patients who take the medicine indinavir develop stones. The risk is even higher in people with AIDS who also have hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or hemophilia, as well as those who are very thin or who take the antibiotic combination TMP-SMX.

Other Drugs. Kidney stones are a rare side effect of thyroid hormones and loop diuretics (drugs that increase urination). In fact, diuretics are also used to prevent calcium stones. Certain cancer chemotherapies can also cause kidney stones. Long-term use of medications such as antacids, which change the acidic content of urine, may increase the risk for kidney stones.

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Symptoms

In many cases, kidney stones do not produce symptoms. However, if a stone becomes stuck in the ureter (the thin tube between the bladder and the kidney), symptoms can be very severe. Often, symptoms vary depending on the stone's location and its progress.

Kidney stone attacks tend to be most common late at night or in the early morning, possibly because of minimal urine output or constriction of the ureters during the early morning hours. Kidney stone attacks are least common during the late afternoon.

Pain usually begins abruptly on one side and then continues as intense, constant pain. (In some cases it lasts for a few minutes, disappears, and then returns after about 10 minutes.)

The patient cannot find a comfortable position and usually stands, sits, paces, or reclines in a failed search for a position that will bring relief.

If the stone is in the kidney or upper urinary tract, the pain usually starts in one flank area (to the side of the back near the waist). It typically moves to the groin as the stone passes down.

If the stone is too large to pass easily, the pain follows the muscle contractions in the wall of the ureter as they try to squeeze the stone along into the bladder.

Nausea and vomiting may occur.

Blood may be present in the urine.

As the stone passes down the ureter closer to the bladder, a person may feel the need to urinate more often or a burning sensation during urination.

An infection may be present if fever and chills accompany any of these symptoms.

The size of the stone does not necessarily predict the severity of the pain. A very tiny crystal with sharp edges can cause intense pain, while a larger round stone may not be as distressing. Struvite stones can often occur without symptoms.

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Diagnosis

The doctor will perform a physical exam. This includes pressing against the abdomen for tender locations that might indicate the presence of the stone.

Medical History

The patient's age is a significant factor. Kidney stones that occur in children and young patients are more apt to result from inherited problems that cause cystine, xanthine, or, in some cases, calcium oxalate stones. In adult patients, calcium stones are most common.

A medical history may help predict which crystal has formed the stone. The doctor will need to know the following:

Any previous kidney stone attacks

Histories of cancer, sarcoidosis, or small bowel disease

Any medications being taken, including non-prescription substances, particularly high doses of vitamins D or C and calcium-containing antacids

Ruling out Other Disorders

Many conditions can cause symptoms similar to kidney stones. Usually the diagnosis is easily made because of the specific nature of the symptoms, but it is not always clear. Urinary tract infections can cause similar, but usually less intense, pain. In fact, infection may be present with a kidney stone. Other causes of pain that may mimic kidney stones include:

Gallstones

Diverticulitis (infection or irritation of abnormal pockets in the intestines)

Intestinal blockage

Blood clots

Irritable bowel syndrome

Appendicitis

Stomach ulcers

Hiatal hernia (when the upper part of the stomach bulges into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm)

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Hepatitis

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and colitis)

Heart attack

Imaging Techniques

Various imaging techniques are helpful in determining the presence of kidney stones. The best approach uses spiral (or helical) computed tomography scans. If these scans are not available, the patient will need ultrasound or standard x-rays. If no stones show up, but the patient has severe pain that suggests the presence of kidney stones, the next step is an intravenous pyelogram.

X-Rays. A standard x-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder may be a good first step for identifying stones, since many are visible on x-rays. Calcium stones can be identified on x-rays by their white color. Cystine crystals can also show up on x-rays.

Spiral (or Helical) Computed Tomography. A type of computed tomography (CT) scan called a spiral or helical CT scan is currently the best method for diagnosing stones in either the kidneys or the ureters. This test is fast, does not require instruments or foreign chemicals to enter the body, and provides detailed accurate images of even very small stones. If stones are not present, a spiral CT scan can often identify other causes of pain in the kidney area. It is better than x-rays, ultrasound, and intravenous pyelogram -- the previous standard test for detecting kidney stones. Experts hope spiral CT will eventually be able to identify the chemicals present in a stone.

Ultrasound. Ultrasound can detect clear uric acid stones and obstruction in the urinary tract. It is not useful for finding very small stones, but some research indicates that it may be a useful first diagnostic step in the emergency room to help predict the likelihood of a stone, including suspected stones in children.

Intravenous Pyelogram. With intravenous pyelogram (IVP), the doctor injects a special dye into the patient. A technician will then take x-rays as the dye enters the kidneys and travels down the urinary tract. IVP is invasive but, until recently, was the most cost-effective method for detecting stones. Where it is available, spiral CT is now preferred, since it gives a faster diagnosis and is more accurate, safer, and similar in cost.

IVP should not be used on patients with kidney failure. There is also a risk for an allergic reaction to standard dyes, although newer, less allergenic ones are becoming available.

In the procedure intravenous pyelogram (IVP), the patient is injected with dye. X-rays are taken as the dye travels through the urinary tract. This procedure is done to confirm the presence of kidney stones, although some stones may be too small to see.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are showing promise for diagnosing urinary tract obstruction but do not yet accurately reveal small stones, or ones that do not cause a blockage. Because no radiation is involved with MRI, however, it may prove to be a good option for pregnant women.

Urine Tests

Urine samples are required to evaluate features of the urine, including its acidity and the presence of:

Red or white blood cells

Infection

Crystals

High or low levels of chemicals that inhibit or promote stone formation

Clean-Catch Urine Sample for Culturing. After determining that a kidney stone is present, the health care provider usually gives the patient a collection kit, including filters, to try to catch the stone or gravel as it passes out. The urine may also be tested (cultured) for the presence of infection-causing organisms. A clean-catch urine sample is almost always required for culturing. To provide a clean catch, do the following:

First, wash your hands thoroughly, and then wash the penis or vulva and surrounding area four times with downward strokes, using a new soapy sponge each time.

Begin urinating into the toilet and stop after an ounce or two.

Position the container to catch the middle portion of the urine stream.

Urinate the remainder into the toilet.

Tighten the cap on the container securely, being careful not to touch the inside of the rim.

You should not change any of your usual eating or drinking patterns when performing this test.

Discard the first urination on the day of the test.

Afterward, collect all urine passed over the next 24 hours, including the first urination on the morning of the second day.

A second 24-hour urine collection may be needed to determine whether treatment is working, or it may be done if the first analysis was not conclusive and the doctor suspects a less common stone, such as a cystine or xanthine stone.

Urine tests that are used to determine the specific chemical and biological factors causing the stone should be performed about 6 weeks after the attack, since the attack itself may change the levels of such substances, including calcium, phosphate, and citrate.

Note that calcium levels in the urine may be abnormal even in many people who do not have stones. In addition, high urinary concentrations of calcium may pose a greater or lesser risk, depending on a person's age.

Microscopic Examination

The kidney stones obtained from the urine sample are examined under a microscope. The crystal formations are often specific enough so that the doctor is able to identify the substance causing the stone.

Testing the Acidity of Urine

Testing whether urine is acidic or alkaline helps to identify the specific type of stone. The levels of acidity or alkalinity in any solution, including urine, are indicated by the pH scale:

A solution with a high pH is alkaline. (A high pH favors calcium phosphate and struvite stones.)

Testing for Blood in the Urine

AA dipstick test for blood in the urine (called hematuria) is typically performed when patients appear in the emergency room with flank pain (the primary symptom of kidney stones). About a third of kidney stone patients, however, do not show blood in the urine, so other tests may be needed.

Blood Tests

Blood Tests for Stone Factors. Blood and urine tests help determine what substances formed the crystals. This allows the doctor to determine the appropriate treatment and preventive measures.

Blood tests may help determine blood levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, and uric acid for patients with known or suspected calcium oxalate stones. Doctors will usually schedule these tests about 6 weeks after the attack, in order to measure these substances when the stone has been passed and the patient has been stabilized. This is particularly true in patients with recurrent stones.

Parathyroid Tests. Tests to detect parathyroid hormone levels are given if the doctor suspects hyperparathyroidism, based on other signs and symptoms.

Tests for Infection. A test result that shows a high white blood cell count might indicate infection. Such results, however, could be misleading, since the number of white blood cells could also increase in response to the extreme physical stress of a kidney stone attack.

Tests for Metabolic Problems. About half of children with stones have an identifiable metabolic disorder, which increases their risk of stone recurrence five-fold. Experts argue whether tests for metabolic disorders are routinely needed once the stone composition has been determined. Studies suggest the following:

People with recurrent calcium stones have a wide range of irregular blood or urine test results, indicating a variety of possible metabolic disorders. For example, calcium stones in middle-aged women may be due to parathyroid abnormalities.

Calcium phosphate stones most likely result from renal tubular acidosis.

People with non-calcium stones generally have identifiable metabolic disorders.

Determining the stone composition may be sufficient for treatment, and may help avoid unnecessary metabolic tests.

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Treatment

When tests show there is a kidney stone, the next step is to determine treatment. The patient should be admitted to the emergency room if they have severe vomiting, fever, or symptoms of infection.

Treatment for Severe Attacks

Strong opioid painkillers are often required for a severe kidney stone attack. However, doctors will usually not give such drugs until they confirm the presence of a kidney stone on an x-ray.

Watchful Waiting

In about 85% of patients, the kidney stones are small enough that they pass through normal urination, usually within 2 - 3 days. In some cases, a stone may take weeks to months to pass, although pain usually goes away before that.

The patient should drink plenty of water (two to three quarts a day) to help move the stone along, and take painkillers as needed. The doctor usually provides a collection kit with a filter and asks the patient to save any passed stones for testing.

If the stone has not passed in 2 - 3 days, the patient will need additional treatments. In some severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Medications

Medications for Calcium Stones

Diuretics. Diuretics are medicines commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other disorders. They remove fluid and sodium from the body. Low doses of a class of diuretics known as thiazides are sometimes used to reduce the amount of calcium kidneys release into the urine. Thiazides include:

Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL)

Chlorothiazide (Diuril)

Trichlormethiazide (Metahydrin, Naqua)

Chlorthalidone (Hygroton)

However, thiazides also cause potassium loss, which reduces citrate levels and can increase the risk for stones. Patients taking thiazide pills should also take potassium citrate, to prevent citrate loss. Amiloride (Midamor) is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which may be used if a thiazide does not work.

Citrates. Citrate salts are often given to people with calcium oxalate or uric acid stones:

Potassium magnesium citrate is available over the counter. It is proving to be very beneficial in preventing kidney stones.

Potassium citrate (such as K-Lyte, Polycitra-K, and Urocit-K) is given as the only treatment to people with normal urine calcium levels. Between 70 - 75% of patients with recurrent stones have ongoing remission (no stone recurrence) with potassium citrate treatment. However, some people cannot tolerate potassium citrate because of side effects (stomach problems).

Magnesium citrate (such as Citroma and Citro-Nesia) may help people who develop calcium stones from impaired intestinal absorption due to short bowel disease.

People with struvite stones, urinary tract infections, bleeding disorders, or kidney damage should not use these products. Patients who take citrate supplements containing potassium should not take any other medications that either contain this mineral or prevent its loss (such as so-called potassium-sparing diuretics). People with peptic ulcers should avoid citrate supplements, or discuss using non-tablet forms with their doctor.

Phosphates. Phosphates help reduce the breakdown of bone that releases calcium into the bloodstream. They are also involved in the kidney's reabsorption of calcium from the urine.

Phosphate compounds:

Neutral (nonacidic) sodium or potassium phosphate (such as K-Phos, Neutral, and Neutra-Phos) is usually taken four times a day after meals to prevent kidney stones unless otherwise directed by the doctor. Diarrhea is a possible side effect.

Cellulose phosphate (Calcibind) is recommended only for severe hypercalciuria that is associated with recurrent calcium stones and caused by excessive absorption of calcium from the intestines. However, this drug may increase oxalate levels and decrease magnesium levels, which can lead to different stones. Taking magnesium supplements and reducing dietary oxalates, calcium, and ascorbic acid may help offset these risks. Cellulose phosphate may also cause bloating.

Avoid acidic forms of phosphate, since they increase the risks for both hypocitraturia and hypercalciuria.

Cholestyramine (such as Questran and Questran Light) is a drug used to reduce cholesterol levels. However, it also binds with oxalate in the intestine, so it is also used to reduce high oxalate levels in urine (hyperoxaluria). The drug usually comes in a powder that is dissolved in liquid. Bloating and constipation are common side effects of this drug. Cholestyramine also interferes with other medications, including digoxin (Lanoxin) and warfarin, and may contribute to calcium loss and osteoporosis. In order to prevent such interactions, take other drugs 1 hour before, or 4 - 6 hours after, taking cholestyramine.

Long-term use of cholestyramine may cause deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin supplements may be necessary.

Medications for Uric Acid Stones

Sodium Bicarbonate. Patients whose persistently acidic urine causes uric acid stones may take sodium bicarbonate to reduce urine acidity. Patients taking sodium bicarbonate must test their urine regularly with pH paper, which turns different colors depending on whether the urine is acidic or alkaline. Too much sodium bicarbonate can cause the urine to become too alkaline. This increases the risk for calcium phosphate stones. Patients who need to reduce the amount of sodium they take in (as a result of other medical conditions) should not use sodium bicarbonate.

Potassium Citrate. Potassium citrate, which restores citrate to the urine, is useful for patients with high levels of uric acid in the urine.

Allopurinol. Allopurinol (Lupurin, Zyloprim) is very effective in reducing high blood levels of uric acid, and may be helpful for patients with uric acid stones. Allopurinol will not prevent calcium stones from forming. There is also a slight risk for the formation of xanthine stones with this drug. Side effects include diarrhea, headache, and fever. About 2% of patients have an allergic reaction to allopurinol that causes a rash. In rare cases, the rash can become severe and widespread enough to be life threatening.

Allopurinol reduces uric acid levels rapidly, so it may trigger an attack of gout in vulnerable people. To prevent this problem, patients taking allopurinol should also take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for 2 or 3 months. Aspirin should not be taken, since it increases uric acid levels. Patients should discuss the appropriate NSAID choice with their doctor.

In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved febuxostat (Uloric) to treat gout. It is the first new treatment for gout in 40 years. Febuxostat lowers uric acid levels by inhibiting the same enzyme as allopurinol, and can be taken by patients who are allergic to allopurinol. This new drug is very effective but expensive.

Medications for Struvite Stones

Before patients can receive any medical treatment for struvite stones, they must have surgery to completely remove the stones.

Antibiotics for Eliminating Infection. People with struvite stones receive ongoing treatment with antibiotics to keep the urine free of the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Careful follow-up and urine testing is extremely important. A high-pH urine indicates low acidity and an increased risk of infection.

Acetohydroxamic Acid (AHA). Acetohydroxamic acid (AHA or Lithostat) is beneficial when used with long-term antibiotics. AHA blocks enzymes that bacteria release, and has been effective in preventing stones even when bacteria are present. Side effects, however, can be severe. The drug reduces iron levels in the body, so anemia is a common problem. Patients may need to take iron supplements. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, depression, anxiety, rash, persistent headache, and, rarely, small blood clots in the legs. This drug is recommended only for patients with healthy kidneys who have chronic diseases caused by specific struvite-causing organisms. Patients taking this medicine should avoid alcohol. Pregnant women should not take acetohydroxamic acid.

Organic Acids. Medical treatments to dissolve stones may be useful in patients who do not respond to other medications, or in combination with surgeries. Acidic urine dissolves struvite stones, so the doctor may wash the urinary tract with a solution of organic acids (such as Renacidin). Candidates for such washes must have sterile urine (no bacteria or other organisms in the urine) and healthy kidney function. In surgical patients, the wash is performed 4 or 5 days after the operation. The wash starts with saline (salt solution) for 1 - 2 days and, if there are no problems, the organic acid solution follows for another 1 or 2 days, until all stones dissolve. Regular urine tests are necessary to ensure that the bacteria do not return.

Aluminum Hydroxide Gel. An aluminum hydroxide anti-acid gel may reduce phosphate levels that are important in struvite stone formation, but it has a long-term risk of causing aluminum toxicity. Long-term reduction of phosphorus can also increase the risk for calcium oxalate stones. Experts recommend limiting phosphorus through a low-protein diet, rather than through the use of this gel.

Medications for Cystine Stones

The first-line treatment for cystine stones is increasing the alkalization of urine so the stones can dissolve. If alkalization fails, drug treatments may include d-penicillamine, alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine (tiopronin), or captopril. These medications lower cystine concentration.

Patients with cystine stones must drink much more fluids than patients with other stones -- at least 4 quarts of water over a 24-hour period.

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Other Treatments

Surgery is usually needed if the stone is too large to pass on its own, if there are signs that the stone is growing, or if the stone is blocking the urine flow and causing a urinary tract infection or kidney damage.

Today, treatments for stones are much less invasive than in the past. Major surgery is performed in less than 2% of patients.

Stone removal procedures:

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is used for small stones (smaller than one centimeter, or slightly less than half an inch) that occur in the upper part of the ureter and do not pass on their own. Lithotripsy might even be safe and effective for patients whose stones are associated with malformed kidneys, although such patients are at higher risk for stone recurrence and should be carefully monitored.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). PNL can be used for large stones in the upper urinary tract, when ESWL fails, for kidney transplant patients, or when the kidneys or surrounding areas are malformed. PNL is the preferred procedure for drug-resistant cystine stones, which are usually also resistant to shock wave therapy.

Ureteroscopy. For stones in the lower tract, ureteroscopy is generally the best procedure, although lithotripsy is also usually feasible and patients ordinarily prefer it.

Standard open surgery (nephrolithotomy) may be required if any of these procedures fail or are not appropriate, or in special cases, such as when the patient is very obese.

Most procedures are more effective for calcium and uric acid stones and less effective for struvite and cystine stones, although new techniques may be improving their effectiveness on all stones.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a technique that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to break up simple stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract. ("Extracorporeal" means "outside the body," and "lithotripsy" means stone-breaking.) ESWL is not used for cystine stones. The procedure generally does not work for stones larger than 3 centimeters in diameter (which is slightly over an inch). There are several variations of ESWL. The following is a typical procedure:

Most ESWL procedures use some anesthesia, although they are often done on an outpatient basis.

The patient is positioned in a water bath. (In some procedures the patient lies on a soft cushion.)

The procedure uses ultrasound to generate shock waves that travel through the skin and body tissues until they hit the dense stones. (The doctor pinpoints the stone during treatment by using x-rays or ultrasound.)

The shock waves crush the stones into tiny sand-like pieces that usually pass easily through the urinary tract. I

The shattered stone fragments may cause discomfort as they pass through the urinary tract. If so, the doctor may insert a small tube called a stent through the bladder into the ureter to help the fragments pass. This practice, however, does not usually speed up passage of the stones and is not used routinely.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure used to shatter simple stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract. Ultrasonic waves are passed through the body until they strike the dense stones. Pulses of sonic waves pulverize the stones, which are then more easily passed through the ureter and out of the body in the urine.

ESWL has a 50 - 90% success rate, depending on the location of the stone and the surgeon's technique and experience. Recovery time is short. Most people can resume normal activities in a few days.

Complications. Complications may include:

Blood in the urine, the most common complication, may last for a few days after treatment. To reduce the chances of bleeding, doctors usually tell patients to avoid taking aspirin and other NSAIDs, which can promote bleeding, for 7 - 10 days before the treatment.

Bruising and minor discomfort due to the shock waves are common in the back or abdomen.

Sometimes the stone does not completely break up with one treatment, and additional treatments may be required. Inability to pass stone fragments may also be a particular problem in patients who have cysts or other kidney problems.

ESWL does increase the risk of damage to the kidneys.

ESWL appears to be safe for children. Experts recommend using the least amount of shocks and impact possible in young people. If more than one treatment is needed, the patient should wait at least 15 days before the next treatment.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy may also be used for treatment of kidney stones when ESWL is not available or the patient is not a candidate for it (such as if the stone is very large, in an inaccessible location, or is a cystine stone). It is also preferred over ESWL for stones that have remained in the ureter for more than 4 weeks.

It is more effective than ESWL for patients with severe obesity, and appears to be safe for the very elderly and the very young. Success rates are nearly 98% for kidney stones and 88% for ureteral stones. They may vary by the technique used and the specific patients. For example, success rates are slightly lower in children, although the procedure can be done safely in young patients. Long-term effects are unknown.

A typical procedure is as follows:

The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the back and creates a tunnel directly into the kidney.

The surgeon then inserts an instrument called a nephroscope through the tunnel.

The stone is located and removed. If it is large, it is destroyed using ultrasound, lasers, or other devices. The surgeon then removes the fragments. An advantage of percutaneous nephrolithotomy over ESWL is that the surgeon is able to remove the stone fragments directly, instead of relying on their natural passage from the kidney.

Generally, patients stay in the hospital for 5 or 6 days and may need a small device called a nephrostomy tube left in the kidney during the healing process.

Devices Used to Destroy Stones. For large stones, some type of energy-delivering device may be needed to break the stone into small pieces. They are referred to as intracorporeal lithotripsy devices (meaning stone breakers within the body). The device may be one of the following:

Ultrasound is currently the preferred method. It results in a stone-free rate of over 90%. A rigid nephroscope delivers the ultrasound waves.

Pneumatic (compressed air) lithotripsy uses a probe that comes in direct contact with a stone. Compressed air causes a piston to collide rapidly with the probe, and the result is a "jackhammer" action against the stone, to break up the stone. This method, however, can send stone fragments into other parts of the urinary tract.

A more recent device uses a combination pneumatic probe and ultrasound. It produces stone-free rates of over 80%. It may prove to be superior to ultrasound alone, effective against stones of all types.

The holmium laser literally melts the stones and destroys up to 100% of stones of any composition. It uses a flexible nephroscope and has an excellent safety record. It should be used sparingly, however, and with particular caution on large uric acid stones until more is understood about its effect. (Another device, the erbium: YAG laser, although showing promise in lithotripsy, is not currently practical.)

Complications. Complication rates are about 3%. Major complications occur in about 1% of patients. These complications may include scarring of the tissue, but studies indicate that this scarring does not impair kidney function, even if the patient needs repeat surgery. There is also a risk for blood loss during and after the procedure, which sometimes can be significant.

Because the procedure uses large volumes of fluid, fluid overload is a potential problem, particularly in children or patients with heart disease.

Infection may result in some patients. Other complications may include a collapsed lung and injuries to areas outside the kidney (but within the operative area), such as the abdomen or chest.

Ureteroscopic Stone Removal

Ureteroscopy may be used for stones in the middle and lower ureter. With the arrival of smaller instruments, this procedure can be done successfully in children as well. The procedure involves the following:

The patient receives a general anesthetic, though no incision is required for the procedure.

The surgeon passes a small fiberoptic instrument called a ureteroscope through the urethra and bladder into the ureter.

The surgeon locates the stone or stones.

The surgeon can remove smaller stones by grasping them with small forceps. A laser or pneumatic device breaks up large stones.

The surgeon may decide to leave a small tube, or stent, in the ureter for a few days after treatment, to help the lining of the ureter heal.

Complication rates range from 10 - 20%, with major problems occurring in up to 6% of patients. In some cases, large stones are not broken up into small enough pieces. This can result in a blockage of the urinary tract and possible kidney damage.

Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or spiral CT, are useful within 3 months to check for residual stones, and a second procedure may be required. The risk of complications is highest when the procedure is performed by less experienced surgeons, or if stones are found in the kidney. The risk for perforation of the ureter increases the longer the procedure takes.

Open Surgery (Nephrolithotomy)

Open surgery involves incisions through the patient's flank and into the kidney. The surgeon will cool the kidneys using ice. X-rays during the procedure help locate the stone. At the beginning of the surgery, the surgeon will isolate the arteries supplying the kidneys, ensuring they are not harmed during the surgery. The surgeon will then locate and remove the stone. The surgeon will also correct any blockage in the affected area. The surgery, called nephrolithotomy, is very invasive and is restricted to the following:

Patients with very large or complex stones that cannot be removed using less invasive measures

Very obese patients

Some centers report success with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients who would normally be nephrolithotomy candidates. Therefore, even these patients should discuss other options with their surgeon.

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Complications

Between 70% and 90% of crystals remain tiny enough to travel through the urinary tract and leave the body in the urine without being noticed. When they do cause symptoms, however, kidney stones have been described as one of the most painful disorders to afflict humans. The pain they cause is sometimes called renal colic. ("Renal" means "kidney.")

Effects on the Urinary Tract and Kidneys

Obstruction and Infection. Although kidney stones often lead to obstruction (blockage) of the urinary tract, the blockage is usually temporary and causes no lasting damage. In some cases, however, particularly if the obstruction progresses with no symptoms, infection may occur, which can be serious and need immediate attention.

Kidney Failure. It is very rare for kidney stones to cause kidney failure, although some people have risk factors that make them more vulnerable to this serious complication. Risk factors include the following:

Very frequent recurrences (such as in people with cystine stones or other inherited forms of kidney stone disorders)

Long Term Outlook: Risk for Recurrence

Without treatment, calcium stones recur in 10% of patients within a year of the first attack, and in half of patients within 5 - 7 years. Individual risk for recurrence, however, varies depending on the stone and the underlying condition. For example, a 15-year-old with inherited cystine stones has a very high risk for recurrence, while a middle-aged man with a first calcium oxalate stone has a good chance of never passing another.

In-Depth From A.D.A.M. Prevention

Anyone who has had kidney stones should try to prevent a recurrence. Some general observations include:

The most important dietary recommendations for calcium stone risk are to increase fluid intake, restrict sodium, and reduce protein intake.

Higher potassium intake can also lower the risk for calcium stones.

A high-calcium diet does not appear to increase the risk for kidney stones as long as it also contains plenty of fluids, dietary potassium, and phosphate. (Increasing calcium alone may pose a modest risk for stones.)

Patients should try to correct any dietary habits that cause acidic or alkaline imbalances in the urine, which promote stone formation.

Because different kidney stone types may require specific dietary changes, patients should work with their doctors to develop an individualized plan. Nutritional considerations are very important in preventing recurrences, and patients should comply with the proper diet.

Fluids (Water, Juice, and Other Beverages)

Good voiding habits, particularly frequent urination, are important. Therefore, of all the preventive recommendations, drinking enough fluids is the most important guideline for people with any type of kidney stones.

In general, patients with calcium or uric acid stones should drink at least 10 full glasses of fluid each day (at least half should be water). They should drink one glass with each meal and drink fluids at night, even if it means getting up from sleep. Fluid intake should produce at least two-and-a-half quarts of urine each day.

To prevent cystine stones, patients should drink even more water -- more than a gallon, or 16 8-ounce cups, every day. Patients should drink this amount at regular intervals throughout the night and day.

In all cases, patients need more fluid after exertion and during times of stress. If they drink enough, the urine should be pale and almost watery, not dark and yellow.

Water. Although water is best, it may vary depending on its source. Variations in water itself may have different impacts. Water hardness (meaning how much calcium is in the water) generally plays only a small role in stone formation. By far, the amount of fluid intake is most important in preventing stones.

Juices and Specific Effects. Other beverages have various positive or negative effects, depending on the type of stone:

Lemon Juice: Drinking one-half cup of pure lemon juice (enough to make eight glasses of lemonade) every day raises citrate levels in the urine, which might protect against calcium stones. (While orange juice also increases citrate levels, it does not lower calcium and it raises oxalate levels. Therefore, it is not recommended.)

Cranberry and Apple Juice: Apple and cranberry juice contain oxalates, and both have been associated with a higher risk for calcium oxalate stones. Cranberry juice has properties that may increase the risk for both calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. On the other hand, cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections and so may be helpful for reducing the risk for struvite and brushite stones. (These stones are far less common, however.)

Grapefruit Juice: A number of studies have found a risk for stones from drinking grapefruit juice.

Other Beverages and Their Effects on Stone Formation.

Soft Drinks. Patients with stones should avoid cola drinks with phosphoric acid, because they can severely reduce citrate levels in the urine. Drinks containing citrate seem to be okay,

Alcohol. Wine may protect against kidney stones. However, it is important to remember that beer and other alcoholic beverages also contain purines, which may increase the risk for the less common uric acid stones in susceptible people. Binge drinking increases uric acid and the risk for stones.

Coffee and Tea. Some research has reported a lower risk for stones in people who drink tea and both regular and decaffeinated coffee.

Low-Salt and Low-Protein Diets

A low-sodium, low-to-moderate protein diet containing normal levels of calcium can help reduce the recurrence of stones compared to a low-calcium only diet.

Salt Restriction. Because salt intake increases the amount of calcium in urine, patients with calcium stones should limit their sodium intake to 3 g or less a day. Sodium may also increase levels of urate, the crystalline substance that can trigger formation of recurrent calcium oxalate stones. I

Protein Restriction. Protein increases uric acid, calcium, and oxalate levels in the urine, and reduces citrate levels. Diets high in protein, particularly meat protein, have been consistently connected with kidney stones. (Meat protein has a higher sulfur content and produces more acid than vegetable protein.)

Whether restricting meat protein alone without restricting sodium has any protective value is unknown. Most studies to date have found no difference in stone development between people with low and normal protein diets over 4 years.

Although the precise role of dietary protein in kidney stones needs further clarification, it is reasonable for everyone to consume meat protein in moderation. People with struvite stones, who need to reduce phosphates in their diets, should also cut down on proteins.

Role of Calcium

Calcium from Foods. Dietary calcium recommendations for kidney stone prevention need to be determined on an individual basis. A doctor will suggest calcium guidelines based on a patient's age, gender, body size, and type of stone. General recommendations for daily dietary calcium intake are: 1,300 mg of elemental calcium for teenagers, 1,000 mg for men and women ages 19 to 50 years, and 1,200 mg after 50. Most studies indicate that those who eat the recommended amount of dietary calcium (found in milk, yogurt, and cheese) have a lower chance of recurrence of stones than those who eat a low calcium diet. Therefore, a diet containing a normal amount of calcium, but reduced amounts of animal protein and salt, may protect against stones better than a low-calcium regimen.

Calcium Supplements. In general data do not support the use of calcium supplements in most situations. Calcium citrate is considered the best formulation, if supplements are needed. In a normal healthy diet, dairy products supply almost 80% of the daily calcium requirement. Calcium supplementation of doses between 200 and 400 mg may be used for people who are unable to eat an adequate amount of calcium in their diet. Dosages of calcium above 2,000 mg per day are clearly associated with the formation of stones.

Calcium Restriction in Certain Cases. Some patients, such as those whose stones are caused by genetic defects in which the intestine absorbs too much calcium, may need to limit calcium intake. More studies are needed to define this group precisely.

Fiber-Rich Foods and Their Compounds

Fiber may be beneficial for people with kidney stones. In addition, some fiber-rich foods may contain compounds that help protect against kidney stones. A wide variety of high-fiber plant foods contain a compound called phytate (also called inositol hexaphosphate, InsP6, or IP6), which appears to help prevent crystallization of calcium salts, both oxalate and phosphate. Phytate is found in legumes and wheat and rice bran. (Soybeans are also rich in phytate, but they are also very high in oxalates, so the overall effects of soy on kidney stones are not clear.)

Purine Restriction in People at Risk for Uric Acid Stones

A high intake of purines can increase the amount of uric acid in the urine. Those at risk for uric acid stones should reduce their intake of foods and beverages that contain purines.

Some diet and lifestyle changes may help prevent uric acid stones are:

Oxalate Restriction in Hyperoxaluria

Most people with calcium oxalate stones should not avoid oxalate-rich foods unless the doctor specifically recommends a restrictive diet. Oxalate binds with calcium in the intestine, which may actually reduce calcium absorption. Some studies, in fact, indicate that eating foods containing oxalates and calcium together may reduce the risk of stones. Most of the foods that contain oxalates are very important for good health. Limiting oxalates may be particularly harmful in people with bowel disorders in which there is malabsorption.

Role of Fats

Certain fats may play a beneficial or harmful role in specific cases of kidney stones.

Restricted Fats in Patients with Stones Associated with Bowel Disease. Patients who have stones associated with short-bowel syndrome should eat foods with lower amounts of fats and oxalates. If patients with short-bowel syndrome eat too much fat, calcium may bind to unabsorbed fat instead of oxalates, increasing their oxalate levels and raising the risk of stone formation.

Fish Oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish like mackerel, salmon, and albacore tuna, have many health benefits, but the most current evidence suggests they do not help prevent kidney stones. A 2005 study of more than 200,000 adults found that increased omega-3 fatty acid intake did not reduce kidney stone risk.

Role of Vitamins

Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is used to treat people with primary hyperoxaluria, a severe inherited disorder. Patients should not try to treat themselves with vitamin B6. Very high doses (500 - 2,000 mg daily over long periods) can cause nerve damage, with loss of balance and numbness in the feet and hands. Food sources of vitamin B6 include meats, oily fish, poultry, whole grains, dried fortified cereals, soybeans, avocados, baked potatoes with skins, watermelon, plantains, bananas, peanuts, and brewer's yeast.

Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may change in the body to tiny crystals, called oxalates. These crystals do not dissolve. People with hyperoxaluria (too much oxalate in the urine) should avoid vitamin C supplements. Even for men with normal oxalate levels, higher consumption of vitamin C (more than 1,000 mg a day) may increase kidney stone risk.

Stress Management Techniques

Because of an association between stress and kidney stones, relaxation and stress management techniques may also be beneficial.

Preventing Recurrence

Dietary Considerations. People with kidney stones appear to be more sensitive to certain foods than people who do not form kidney stones. Therefore, vulnerable people should make specific changes in their diet. They should work with their doctors to develop a dietary plan that fits their individual situation. Drinking plenty of fluids is important for preventing recurrence of any kidney stone.

Indications for Drug Treatments. If dietary treatments fail, drug therapy may be helpful. A number of drugs are available to prevent recurrences of calcium oxalate and other stones. Medications that inhibit the formation of stones include allopurinol, thiazide, potassium citrate, and potassium-magnesium citrate. In addition, drug treatments can sometimes help prevent other complications related to stones, such as osteoporosis.

Correcting Underlying Conditions Known to Cause Kidney Stones. It is also important to treat and correct, if possible, any underlying disorder that may be causing stones to form. Such disorders include distal renal tubular acidosis, hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, and certain cancers. To prevent calcium stones that form in hyperparathyroid patients, a surgeon may remove the affected parathyroid gland (located in the neck). In most cases, only one of the glands is enlarged. Removing it ends the patient's problem with kidney stones.

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